The Lead

In a perfect, sterile world, football and politics would operate under two distinct codices which, like oil and water, would not, could not mix. In reality, as anyone who’s ever watched football ever understands, the dividing lines are never clear, are often opaque, and are sometimes murky.

This past week has offered some telling examples. The one eating up most of the English headlines involves Fabio Capello’s possible “breach of contract” for hitting out against the Football Association for stripping John Terry of the England captaincy. FA chief exec David Davies from the Guardian:

“It is being taken very seriously by the FA,” Davies said. “You have to ask what his motive is. You have to suspect he wants to prevent John Terry retiring as a player before Euro 2012, but there are wider issues.

“You could have what some of the media are calling a morality circus while England are trying to win the second major tournament in football.

“A contract may have been breached, there is strong leadership now at the FA from David Bernstein. Last week he wasn’t slow to take things forward and he may not be slow to do so now.”

One can understand the FA wanting to keep to the letter of the law on this issue, but Fabio Capello was hired to win football tournaments, not play politics alongside the FA, rightfully concerned as they are over the possible ramifications of Terry’s trial for racial abuse allegations against QPR’s Anton Ferdinand. If Capello acquiesced without question on the captaincy issue, he would have lost half the dressing room mere months ahead of Euro 2012.

Note that Capello is not refusing to allow Terry to lose his captaincy, merely publicly expressing his disagreement with the decision. Perhaps that’s his official line, perhaps not. But the it was likely intended for the players, so they know this was not his decision. Accusations that Capello is aiding and abetting a known racist are not fair as Terry has yet to enjoy his day in court.

The pertinent fact here is Terry is rightfully no longer England captain. Capello’s disagreement with the FA doesn’t change that, nor does it make him an accessory to racial abuse. Despite claims that Capello has done irreparable damage to England and the FA, it should be remembered who started this mess in the first place.

Canada

Toronto FC a tough sell in 2012?

Comparing Ajax’s youth development program to TFC’s.

Martin McMahon on some sweet pre-season moves by Vancouver Whitecaps’ Martin Rennie.

England

Chelsea jeers inspired United comeback against Chelsea, says Rio Ferdinand. AVB chides his supporters for the gesture.

And Andre Villas-Boas was in a lock down meeting with Abramovic on Saturday in training, which the Daily Mail goes to town with in this piece of speculative nonsense.

Michael Cox on Juan Mata’s importance to Chelsea.

Ferguson names names following the 3-3 draw, which Rooney thinks is good enough to win them the title.

Five things the Guardian learned this weekend.

Suarez returns to football as a “divisive figure,” understatement understatement understatement, though he may not start tonight.

City poised to lose Kolo to Anzhi?

Roy Hodgson in serious trouble at West Brom.

Joey Barton a latter day Antonio Gramsci.

Italy

Daniele De Rossi explains why it took so long for him to re-sign with Roma.

AC Milan hoping Ibrahimovic’s ban gets shortened.

James Horncastle asserts the Lazio boardroom is undermining Edy Reja’s vision.

Spain

Weekend round-up courtesy of La Liga Loca.

Sid Lowe on the “slow bicycle race” to the La Liga Champions League fourth spot.

Bits and bobs

Maradona’s stint at Al-Wasl not going so well…

David Beckham ordered to leave pitch following altercation with ref at son’s soccer game.

The problem with Generation Adidas in MLS.

And that, give or take, is the story so far…